Caro.PA@Xerox.ARPA (04/18/84)
I just finished reading Jack Vance's "Eyes of the Overworld." I found it laughing-out-loud funny in some places. Also, I am overwhelmed by Vance's vocabulary. Some might think that Mr. Vance is just showing off his erudition, but I think that his dissatisfaction with mundane words contributes to the overall style that is his trademark. I found the following "out-of-the-ordinary" words in the novel (doubtless I am only revealing my own ignorance, but I think it's worth the risk.) I will leave the definition of these words as an excercise for the reader: abnegation, adumbrated, assiduously, cogency, cognomen, egregious, ensilage, expatiate, flexion, fuscous, hector, hyperbole, intercongeles*, locutor, lunules, objurgation, pervulsion, polyandrous, sept, spinifex, sponsons, squamous, supererogatory, suprapullulations*, syncretic, swange, timorous [* are probably neologisms] In addition, I found the following passages (rendered sans permission) exceptional [NO SPOILER]: ---- "Precisely this thought deters me," Cugel replied. "I am a man of resource, but not insensate recklessness." ... "All in good time," said Iucounu. "First I must ensure that, once at liberty, you conduct yourself with unremitting loyalty, zeal and singleness of purpose." "Have no fear," declared Cugel. "My word is my bond." "Excellent!" cried Iucounu. "This knowledge represents a basic security which I do not take lightly. The act now to be preformed is doubtless supererogatory." ... Cugel hurriedly disavowed any such ambition. "I am of low quality; my garments are soiled, my person reeks; my conversation consists of insipid platitudes. Best not to disturb the ruler of Cil." ... "Additionally, Pharesm maintains a conservatory where all may enrich their intellects. I myself take instruction in Insect Indentification, the Heraldry of the Kings of Old Gomaz, Unison Chanting, Practical Catalepsy and Orthodox Doctrine. You will never find a master more generous than Pharesm the Sorcerer!" ... "...I can define the gravity of your act in this manner: should I explode you on this instant into the most minute of your parts the atonement would measure one ten-millionth of your offense. A more stringent retribution becomes necessary." ... [This one is particularly subtle] Cugel thereupon besought him to lend his talisman of erotic stimulation. "The women of Erze Damath show to good advantage, and with the help of the talisman I will extend my knowledge of their capabilities." "By no means," said Voynod, hugging his pouch close to his side. "My reasons need no amplification." Cugel put on a sullen scowl. Voynod was a man whose grandiose personal conceptions seemed particularly far-fetched and distasteful, by reason of his unhealthy, gaunt and saturnine appearance. [har har har!] ... Perry